South Yorkshire Times, June 4, 1949

Will Not See Son

Kiinhurst Father Died Before Emigrant’s Return

Mr. Thomas Kirby, 78-years-old Kilnhurst resident, died last Tuesday at his home In Glasshouse Road, knowing that his only son, Mr. Edward Kirby, whom he last saw 27 years ago, was making every effort to roach his bedside from his home In Michigan, U.S.A.

Cabled Reply

A telegram was sent to America on Tuesday informing Mr. Kirby of his father’s illness, and in a reply received on Monday, Mr. Kirby said he would make every effort to get to England as quickly as possible.

Mr. Kirby will arrive in England in about a fortnight’s time. It will be his first visit home since he left 27 years ago, following his marriage to a Wigan girl, who joined him later. He is employed as a foreman at the Ford Motor works in Michigan.

Mr. Thomas Kirby was a native of Kilnhurst and was a member of the Old Men’s Retreat. A retired miner, he leaves a son and two daughters. His wife died three years ago.

The interment took place on Saturday in Kilnhurst churchyard, the Rev W. S. Fletcher officiating.